Syngenta and DuPont announce ownership change at Greenleaf Genetics

Syngenta is taking full ownership of GreenLeaf
Genetics, LLC. This move dissolves a joint venture between Syngenta Seeds, Inc.
and DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred. Company officials say this enables
Syngenta and Pioneer to pursue independent licensing strategies for their
respective proprietary corn and soybean genetics and biotechnology traits.

“With
full control of GreenLeaf Genetics, we will be able to move more quickly in
broadening access to our rapidly expanding portfolio of innovative traits and
germplasm,” said Davor Pisk, Chief Operating Officer, Syngenta Seeds in a news
release. “This new ownership structure underscores Syngenta’s commitment to
helping independent seed companies provide a wide range of choices to growers.”

“Pioneer has valued the GreenLeaf Genetics joint
venture for more than four years. GreenLeaf Genetics will continue to fulfill
an important role in the seed industry by offering farmers choices in new and
unique selection of corn and soybean products,” said Paul Schickler, President
of Pioneer Hi-Bred in a news release. “Pioneer looks forward to a continued
relationship with both GreenLeaf Genetics and Syngenta.”

GreenLeaf Genetics was originally launched by
Syngenta in 2004 and became a joint venture with Pioneer in April 2006. It will
now operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Syngenta Seeds, Inc. Terms of the
transaction were not disclosed.